S.W.A.T. (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Hondo Harrelson recruits Jim Street to join an elite unit of the Los Angeles Police Department. Together they seek out more members, including tough Deke Kay and single mom Chris Sanchez. The team's first big assignment is to escort crime boss Alex Montel to prison. It seems routine, but when Montel offers a huge reward to anyone who can break him free, criminals of various stripes step up for the prize.
Rated PG-13 • 2003 • 1h 57m
S.W.A.T. earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense, but not overly graphic, action violence and strong language. The film is dominated by large-scale shootouts, explosions, car chases, and fistfights as an LAPD team led by Hondo Harrelson attempts to transport a crime boss. Parents should be aware of numerous on-screen deaths, a scene of betrayal leading to a main character's suicide, and consistent profanity, including one use… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is S.W.A.T. appropriate for kids?
S.W.A.T. earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense, but not overly graphic, action violence and strong language. The film is dominated by large-scale shootouts, explosions, car chases, and fistfights as an LAPD team led by Hondo Harrelson attempts to transport a crime… Read more — free account
Content severity in S.W.A.T.
What happens in S.W.A.T., moment by moment
- 0:06 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:10 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Sex and nudity in S.W.A.T.
Sexual content is light and mostly verbal. There are a few crude jokes, including a reference to getting a venereal disease ("case of the crabs") and male characters talking about hoping to "find some" women after a mission. A few scenes show male officers bare-chested while working out. In one scene, women dance on top of a limo in revealing outfits. There is no nudity.
Violence and gore in S.W.A.T.
Violence is strong and pervasive throughout, typical of a PG-13 action film. There are multiple large-scale shootouts with automatic weapons resulting in many characters being shot and killed, though with little blood or gore. Key sequences include an opening bank robbery, an ambush on a prison transport convoy, a helicopter being shot down and exploding, and a violent hand-to-hand fight that ends with a character being killed by a train. One character is stabbed through the hand and another is shot and critically…
Read more — free accountLanguage in S.W.A.T.
Language is strong and frequent. The film contains over 100 uses of profanity, including one use of "fuck." Other frequently used words include "shit" (about 19 times), "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "goddamn" (over 10 times each). There are also two uses of "son of a bitch" and a single use of an obscene hand gesture.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in S.W.A.T.
Substance use is mild. The S.W.A.T. team members are shown drinking beer together in a bar on a few occasions to celebrate or unwind after missions. There is no depiction of smoking or illegal drug use.
Mature themes in S.W.A.T.
Thematic content is moderate. The main themes revolve around police work, loyalty, and betrayal, as two officers turn against their former teammates for money. A key supporting character commits suicide by shooting himself (the action occurs just off-screen, but the intent and a gunshot sound are clear). The immense bounty placed on a criminal's head explores themes of greed and corruption across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is S.W.A.T. appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests S.W.A.T. is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. S.W.A.T. earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense, but not overly graphic, action violence and strong language. The film is dominated by large-scale shootouts, explosions, car chases, and fistfights as an LAPD…
What age rating does S.W.A.T. have?
S.W.A.T. is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is S.W.A.T. about?
S.W.A.T. earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense, but not overly graphic, action violence and strong language. The film is dominated by large-scale shootouts, explosions, car chases, and fistfights as an LAPD team led by Hondo Harrelson attempts to transport a crime boss. Parents should be aware of numerous…
Is there sex or nudity in S.W.A.T.?
Sexual content is light and mostly verbal. There are a few crude jokes, including a reference to getting a venereal disease ("case of the crabs") and male characters talking about hoping to "find some" women after a mission. A few scenes show male officers…
How violent is S.W.A.T.?
Violence is strong and pervasive throughout, typical of a PG-13 action film. There are multiple large-scale shootouts with automatic weapons resulting in many characters being shot and killed, though with little blood or gore. Key sequences include an opening…
Is the language in S.W.A.T. appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and frequent. The film contains over 100 uses of profanity, including one use of "fuck." Other frequently used words include "shit" (about 19 times), "ass," "bitch," "hell," and "goddamn" (over 10 times each). There are also two uses of…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in S.W.A.T.?
Substance use is mild. The S.W.A.T. team members are shown drinking beer together in a bar on a few occasions to celebrate or unwind after missions. There is no depiction of smoking or illegal drug use.
What mature themes appear in S.W.A.T.?
Thematic content is moderate. The main themes revolve around police work, loyalty, and betrayal, as two officers turn against their former teammates for money. A key supporting character commits suicide by shooting himself (the action occurs just off-screen…
How long is S.W.A.T.?
S.W.A.T. runs 117 minutes, directed by Clark Johnson, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full S.W.A.T. parent guide?
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